Micro-CT for Plant Research

SkyScan X-ray computed tomographs are an essential tool for exploring the fine microstructure of plants and plant matter nondestructively. Botanists can now study anatomical structures in 3D and determine key characteristics such as cell size, tissue composition, and architecture that is important for modeling water transport, nutrients and gases in plants. Capture images from larger samples in the SkyScan 1273 High-Capacity Desktop Micro-CT or SkyScan 2214 Nano-CT for submicron resolution. 

  • Ultra-high resolution for capturing cell wall structure
  • Excellent contrast for distinguishing features 
  • Track growth and explore abnormalities
  • Fast acquisition for time-resolved experiments. 
  • Quantitative analysis including individual object analysis in 3D.
Birch wood, 600nm pixel size

Ultra-high resolution for cell wall structure

Obtaining meaningful information about the cell structure requires ultra-high resolution. The SkyScan 2214 3D X-ray microscope (XRM) allows for nano-scale tomography using a unique nano-focus X-ray source and UHD (ultra high definition) detectors to capture the intricate architecture of plants at submicron resolution. 

Tomato seed, absorption & phase retrieval

Phase contrast retrieval

X-rays attenuate according to the atomic matter, and due to the low atomic number of organic structures, image contrast can be difficult with many plant structures. Phase contrast is based on non-absorption interactions such as reflection, refraction and diffraction. The NRECON reconstruction employs a new approach that utilizes the Paganin algorithm for phase contrast. 

Root analysis

Large field-of-view (FOV) image for root analysis

The SkyScan visualization programs DATAVIEWER and CTVOX create beautifully rendered images and movies of samples, allow for complete data manipulation, and side-by-side comparison in 3D space. 

Pollen, 0.25um pixel

Study of pollen

The SkyScan 2214 nano-CT offers unparalleled resolution that opens up new possibilities in the field of botany and can provide insights into key mechanisms of pollen germination. 

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Not sure about the best instrument for your application?
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Not sure about the best instrument for your application?
Do you want to see micro-CT results of your sample?
Our specialists are happy to help.

Micro-CT Buyers' Guide​








    Free Micro-CT Evaluation Scan

    Are you interested in Micro-CT but aren’t sure if it will work for your application?  We would be happy to help you determine if a micro-CT is right for you and guide you to the system that is best suited for your application.  Our micro-CT laboratory has five different Bruker SkyScan Micro-CT systems available for a thorough investigation of your sample.

    Micro-CT results

    Send in a sample and our micro-CT experts will do the rest.  We will select the best instrument, scan the sample, and reconstruct the data.  You will receive a series of cross-sectional images visualizing the interior structure, a 3D model of your results and  a video of your sample with cut-through views. We will also provide our visualization software for enhanced viewing in both 2D and 3D … Explore Within!

    Fill out the form below and will we contact you to arrange the free micro-CT scan.








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